Convertible electric candlelight fixture

ABSTRACT

The disclosure is directed to a readily convertible electric candlelight fixture. The light fixture comprises a base or fixture having connected thereto a female socket formed with at least a pair of spaced contact openings and electric light having complementary projecting electrical contact prongs adapted to be detachably received in the contact openings of the female socket. An adapter is provided to circumscribe the socket when the electric light is removed therefrom to provide a holder for receiving a candle and a protective cover for the contact openings to prohibit any candle drippings from entering the contact openings when candles are employed instead of the electric light.

United States Patent [72} inventor William B. Dragan Burr St.. Fairfield, Conn. 06430 [21 1 Appl No. 747.924 [221 Filed July 26, 1968 [45] Patented Feb. 9, 1971 [54] CONVERTIBLE ELECTRIC CANDLELIGHT FlXTURE 7 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 240/53, 240/1064, 240/13, 240/52.4;431/297 [51] Int. Cl F2lv 35/00 [50] Field of Search 240/1064, 13, 52.4, 53; 431/125, 288, 297

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 495,676 4/1893 Hudson 240/53 1,645,193 10/1927 Jones 43l/288(UX) .[J I I I I I 1,736,820 1 l/l929 Black 240/524 2,509,219 5/1950 Desmond 240/524 3,373,274 3/1968 Kott 240/1064 Primary Examiner-John Mv Horan Assistant Examiner-A. Mathews AttorneyArthur T. Fattibene drippings from entering the contact openings when candles are employed instead of the electric light.

III/I111) PATENTVED FEB 9197! 3,561,683

sum 2 OF 2 IN V EN TOR.

WILL I AM & DRAG-AN ATTORNEY CONVERTIBLE ELECTRIC CANDLELIGIIT FIXTURE PROBLEM IN THE ART Heretofore it was virtually impossible to practically convert an electric light fixture to a candlelight fixture and vice versa. Because many people enjoy the mood and/or atmosphere created by candlelight, the use of candles remains quite popular. Generally the use of candle lighting is attained by placing candles in conventional candlestick holders and/or candelabras which are then placed on table tops or other pieces of furniture throughout the room. The random placing of such candlestick holders and/or candelabras about the room frequently created some concern as extreme care and caution had to be exercised to prevent accidental overturning or knocking of the candle from its holder. Also the presence of the electric lighting fixtures detracted from the mood and/or atmosphere one usually desired to capture by use of candlelighting only.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an electric light fixture which can be readily converted into a can,- dlelight fixture so that the presence of electricity remains undetected or unnoticed when the fixture is being utilized as a candlelight fixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a lighting fixture which can be incorporated as a permanent part of the electric lighting system commonly used in a home, and which can be at the will of the home owner, host or hostess readily converted into a completely candlelight fixture and/or a combination of electric light and candlelight fixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved electric light fixture wherein the electric light means is formed to simulate a candle, and which electric light means can be readily substituted for an actual candle.

Another object of this invention is to provide a readily convertible electric light-candlelight fixture with means for pro tecting the socket of the electric light means from candle dripping when the fixture is being utilized as a candlelight fixture.

Another object of this invention is to provide a readily convertible electric lightcandlelight fixture wherein a conversion is effected with a minimum of effort and a maximum of ease.

Another object of this invention is to provide an electric light fixture that can be readily converted to a candlelight fixture without the use of hand tools.

The foregoing objects and other features and advantages are obtained by an electric lighting fixture which is adapted to be readily converted between an electric lighting fixture and a candlelighting fixture. The fixture comprises essentially of a base having means thereon to define a female electric socket having a pair of spaced contact openings therein. An electric light means associated therewith is formed with projecting electrical contact prongs adapted to be removably received in the contact openings of the female socket to make electrical contact with the source of electrical energy. To render the fixture readily convertible into a candlelight fixture upon removal of the electric lighting means there is provided an adapter which is arranged to be fitted over the female socket for supporting a candle thereon, and to provide a protective cover therefor.

A feature of this invention resides in the simplicity of construction and the ease in which an electric light fixture can be readily converted into a candlelight fixture and vice versa.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision wherein the atmosphere or mood of a room can be readily converted from an all electric lighting to all candlelighting in a manner wherein all traces of lighting by electricity is rendered obscured.

Another feature of this invention resides in the provision of a lighting fixture in which the conversion to the use of candlelighting can be achieved with a maximum of safety and convenience.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent when considered in view of the drawings and specifica tions in which:

FIG. I is a prospective view of a lighting fixture illustrating the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view having parts shown in section of the lighting fixture of FIG. I in use as an electric light fixture.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but illustrating the lighting fixture as used as a candlelight fixture.

FIG. 4 is a detail prospective view of the adapter means for rendering the electric light fixture of FIG. 2 convertible into a candlelight fixture of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a modified form of the invention wherein the fixtures illustrated is being used as electric light fixtures.

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 5 but illustrating the fixture in use as a candlelight fixture.

FIG. 7 is an adapter for converting the electric light fixture of FIG. 5 into a candlelight fixture of FIG. 6.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION Referring to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1 an electric light fixture 10 constructed to render it readily convertible into a candlelight fixture. The light fixture 10 may assume any desired shape and may be supported in a manner as any conventional electric light fixture may be supported. In the illustrated form of the invention the light fixture 10 is illustrated as a chandelier type 10A which is suspended from an overhead support or ceiling 11, as by chain or the like 12. The illustrated embodiment or chandelier 10A is provided with a plurality of laterally extending arm portions 13 to which there is connected a female socket 14. Each socket 14 has openings 14A therein. The respective contact openings 14A are provided with suitable electrical contact 15 which are wired into an electric circuit by conductors 16 and 17. In the illustrated form of the invention it will be noted that a decorative drip plate or pan 18 circumscribes the female socket 14. It will be noted that chandelier 10A is formed so that it can also be used as a candelabra by detachment from the chain 12.

An electric light means 19 adapted to be removably received within the female socket 14 comprises a body member 20 which, in the illustrated form of the invention, is shaped to simulate the form of a candle. The lower end of the body 20 is provided with a pair of projecting contact prongs 21, 21 which are adapted to be received in the contact openings 14A of the female socket 14, As shown, the lower end of the body 20 is provided witha circumscribing skirt 22 which is adapted to embrace the circumference of the female socket 14 when the light means 19 is attached thereto. The upper end of the body 20 of the light means is provided with a conventional threaded socket 23 which is suitably connected by conductors 24, 25 in circuit with the respective contact prongs 21, 21. A conventional electric light bulb 24 shaped to simulate a candle flame is threaded into the threaded socket 23. By simply inserting the prongs 21, 21 of the light means 19 to the contact openings 14A of female plug will effect electrical contact between the light means 19 and socket 14.

To render the light fixture 10, described, into a candlelight fixture the electric light means 19 is removed from the female socket 14 by simply applying a force necessary to unseat or separate the body 20 of the electrical light means 19 from the socket 14. An adapter 26 is then fitted to the end of the socket 14. Referring to FIG. 4 the adapter 26 comprises a tubular member 26A which is sized so as to be readily fitted in snug or embracing relationship to the circumference of the female socket M.

A partition member 27 is disposed intermediate the ends of the tubular member 26A to define the tubular member into an upper and a lower portion 28, 29 respectively. The arrangement is such that the lower portion 28 is snugly fitted to the circumference of the female socket 14 so that the partition 27 therein defines a protective cover for the contact openings MA to prohibit the dripping of the candle from falling thereinto when used as a candlelight fixture. The upper portion 29 of the adapter 26 is provided with serrated or antifriction surface 29A to frictionally secure the bottom end of a candle 30 therein.

In operation it is to be readily noted that conversion of the fixture lit} from an electric light fixture to a candlelight fixture can be readily attained by merely inserting the appropriate electric light means 39 in the socket 19 or in the alternative positioning the adapter 2s about the appropriate socket connection and inserting a candle thereinto. As noted in FIG. I each of the respective arms 13 can be provided with an electric light means I) or candle means 34) as herein described so that the fixture it) may consist of an entirely electric light fixture, entirely candlelight fixture, or a combination of both.

For purposes of illustration FlG. l is shown with an electric light means I9 fixed in operative position to its respective socket M while another branch thereof illustrated with the electric light means H9 in detached position from the socket. Also a candle 30 is illustrated in a position about to be inserted into adapter 26.

FIGS. through 7 illustrate a modified form of the invention. In this form of the invention the fixture 44 is substantially similar to that hereinbefore described with respect to FIGS. I to 4 with the exception that the female socket 41 is provided with an annular recess 42 which circumscribes the contact openings 43 formed in socket all. In this form of the invention the skirt 44 of the electric light means 45 is adapted to be seated within recess 42 in the operative position thereof as seen in FIG. 5.

Also in the modified form of the invention as evidenced in FIG. 5, the shape of the drip pan 46 has been somewhat modified. In all other respects the form of the light fixture 40 and associated electric light means 45 is similar to that hereinbefore described.

To render the electric light fixture 40 of FIG. 5 convertible into a candlelight fixture of FIG. 6, it will be noted that upon removal of the light means 45 that the adapter 47 of FIG. 7 is positioned about the female socket M. The adapter 47 of FIG. 7 is similar in construction to that of FIG. 4 with the exception that the lower portion 47A is extended somewhat so as to be received in the annular recess 42 of the female socket ll. With the adapter 47 in position on the socket 41, and the partition 49 thereof defines a cover over the contact openings 43 of the socket 4lll and a suitable candle 30 is inserted into the upper end of the adapter 27 thereby rendering the fixture 4t convertible into a candlelight fixture.

in all other respects construction of the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1 through '3.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the electric light fixture M9 or 49 can be readily converted into a candlelight fixture. Thus when such a fixture is disposed in a room, it will be noted that the room can be entirely illuminated by candle in such a manner that all traces or evidence of an electric light fixture is rendered obscured. The foregoing construction thus enables a room which is totally electrically illuminated to be converted into a totally candlelight room so that all traces of electric illumination is rendered obscured.

While this invention has been described with respect to particular embodiments thereof, it will be readily understood and appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

lclairn:

l. A lighting fixture adapted to be readily converted between an electric lighting fixture and a candlelighting fixture comprising:

a base;

means defining a female electric socket having a pair of spaced contact openings therein mounted on said base;

an electric light means having projecting electrical contact prongs connected to one end thereof;

said contact prongs being adapted to be removably received in said contact openings of said socket;

a candle adapter arranged to be fitted over said female socket upon the removal of said light means from said female socket;

and a candle supported in said adapter said adapter including means for frictionally retaining said candle therein;

said candle adapter comprising:

a tubular member;

an intermediate partition disposed intermediate said tubular member partitioning said member into an upper and lower portion;

said lower portion being adapted to receive the female socket whereby said partition defines a protective cover for the openings in said socket;

and said upper portion defining a holder for supporting therein said candle to convert said fixture into a candle lighting fixture.

2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said socket includes an annular recess spaced inwardly of the outer periphery of said socket;

and said electric light means having a body portion having a depending skirt portion circumscribing said contact prongs;

and said skirt being adapted to be received in said annular recess in the connected position of said light means to said base.

3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said adapter is adapted to be received in said annular recess in converting said electric lighting fixture to a candlelighting fixture.

4. The invention as defined in claim I and including means defining a drip catcher connected to said base and circumscribing said socket.

5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular member is formed of a resilient material adapted to snugly embrace said female socket.

6. A readily convertible electric to candlelighting fixture comprising:

a base having a laterally extending arm;

means defining a female electric socket formed in the end of said arm, said socket having a pair of spaced contact openings;

an electric light means;

said electric light means including an elongated body portion simulating that of a candle;

electrical contacts prongs connected to one end of said body. said contact prongs being adapted to be received in the contact opening of said socket;

a bulb socket connected to the other end of said body for receiving an electric light bulb;

means for electrically connecting said bulb socket into elec tric circuit with said contact prongs;

an adapter for converting said electric light fixture to a candle lighting fixture; said adapter being fitted over said female socket upon the removal of said light means;

said adapter comprising a tubular member;

a partition disposed intermediate said tubular member, said partition separating said tubular member into an upper portion and a lower portion;

said lower portion circumscribing said female socket whereby said partition defines a protective cover for the contact openings in said female socket;

said upper portion defining a holder;

and a candle adapted to be seated in said holder.

7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said female socket includes an annular recess formed therein and circumscribing the contact openings therein;

said body of said electric light having a depending skirt adapted to be received in said annular recess;

and said lower portion of said skirt being adapted to be received in said annuiar recess. 

1. A lighting fixture adapted to be readily converted between an electric lighting fixture and a candlelighting fixture comprising: a base; means defining a female electric socket having a pair of spaced contact openings therein mounted on said base; an electric light means having projecting electrical contact prongs connected to one end thereof; said contact prongs being adapted to be removably received in said contact openings of said socket; a candle adapter arranged to be fitted over said female socket upon the removal of said light means from said female socket; and a candle supported in said adapter said adapter including means for frictionally retaining said candle therein; said candle adapter comprising: a tubular member; an intermediate partition disposed intermediate said tubular member partitioning said member into an upper and lower portion; said lower portion being adapted to receive the female socket whereby said partition defines a protective cover for the openings in said socket; and said upper portion defining a holder for supporting therein said candle to convert said fixture into a candle lighting fixture.
 2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said socket includes an annular recess spaced inwardly of the outer periphery of said socket; and said electric light means having a body portion having a depending skirt portion circumscribing said contact prongs; and said skirt being adapted to be received in said annular recess in the connected position of said light means to said base.
 3. The invention as defined in claim 2 wherein said adapter is adapted to be received in said annular recess in converting said electric lighting fixture to a candlelighting fixture.
 4. The invention as defined in claim 1 and including means defining a drip catcher connected to said base and circumscribing said socket.
 5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular member is formed of a resilient material adapted to snugly embrace said female socket.
 6. A readily convertible electric to candlelighting fixture comprising: a base having a laterally extending arm; means defining a female electric socket formed in the end of said arm, said socket having a pair of spaced contact openings; an electric light means; said electric light means including an elongated body portion simulating that of a candle; electrical contacts prongs connected to one end of said body, said contact prongs being adapted to be received in the contact opening of said socket; a bulb socket connected to the other end of said body for receiving an electric light bulb; means for electrically connecting said bulb socket into electric circuit with said contact prongs; an adapter for converting said electric light fixture to a candle lighting fixture; said adapter being fitted over said female socket upon the removal of said light means; said adapter comprising a tubular member; a partition disposed intermediate said tubular member, said partition separatIng said tubular member into an upper portion and a lower portion; said lower portion circumscribing said female socket whereby said partition defines a protective cover for the contact openings in said female socket; said upper portion defining a holder; and a candle adapted to be seated in said holder.
 7. The invention as defined in claim 6 wherein said female socket includes an annular recess formed therein and circumscribing the contact openings therein; said body of said electric light having a depending skirt adapted to be received in said annular recess; and said lower portion of said skirt being adapted to be received in said annular recess. 